Wedding Inside Jeita Grotto Sparks Public Outrage: Here’s What Happened

A wedding in Lebanon sparked public outrage after videos showed the celebration taking place inside Jeita Grotto, one of Lebanon’s most treasured natural sites.

Many expressed alarm over the potential damage to the grotto’s fragile formations, which have taken millions of years to develop. The incident prompted debate over Lebanon’s lax enforcement of heritage protection laws and the misuse of public natural sites.

Reactions to the incident

Lebanese people took to social media to express their concerns. They questioned how a wedding could be authorized inside one of the country’s most fragile landmarks. Many also demanded a response from the Ministry of Tourism and other responsible authorities.

Here are some of the reactions on X (formerly known as Twitter):

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The Ministry of Tourism responds

In a statement to Megaphone News, Imad Sfeir, a member of the Jeita Municipality and director of the grotto’s staff, clarified that the sound and lighting systems “met all required standards, were limited in number, and were overseen by specialists”.

Following the public backlash, the Ministry of Tourism issued a statement today. It confirmed that it had not granted permission for any private event to be held inside the grotto.

The ministry explained that it had signed a temporary contract with the Jeita Municipality for the site’s management and operation, emphasizing that all activities and permissions must comply with legal and procedural standards. It also noted that the municipality is currently the only authorized body managing the grotto, operating under transparent and open bidding criteria until a permanent tender and investor are established in line with international standards.

The municipality never submitted a detailed proposal or request specifying the nature of the activity. Therefore, the ministry will send an official warning to ensure compliance with all contractual, heritage, and ethical obligations.

It is important to note that the grotto had been closed for eight months for maintenance and preservation. It officially reopened in July of this year.

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